Most of the focus of the Affordable Care and Patient Protection Act has focused solely on the insurance provisions in the law — whether it’s legal to require people to have health insurance. But another regulation, found deep in the bill, is causing problems for a company in Colorado Springs. “The medical device tax is… Continue Reading Local CEO: Excise tax hampers innovation

After years of debate, controversy, delays and attempts to overturn the law, the Affordable Care Act is close to full implementation. Small businesses and individuals can start signing up for health care coverage using the Small Business Health Options Program, or SHOP, on Oct. 1. That coverage will go into effect Jan. 1, and yet… Continue Reading Health insurance marketplace opens Oct. 1

For the Colorado Springs Regional Business Alliance, the 41 companies in the city’s bioscience sector represent both an economic boon and the chance to create a larger industry cluster that will bring high-paying jobs and high-tech expertise to the region. From companies that develop stem-cell assays for research laboratories to those that manufacture tiny devices… Continue Reading Future is now: Springs bioscience sector growing stronger

Health care reform kicks in for good in 2014, but this is the year that businesses have to keep meticulous records — because those records definitely will make a difference on next year’s tax returns. The paperwork for tax credits based on premiums paid by companies has been in the works for a couple of… Continue Reading Business tax picture muddled by reforms

Charges for procedures at Colorado’s hospitals vary wildly across the state — and even within cities. And no one really can explain why. What health care experts and consumer advocates do know: Some hospitals charge vastly more money for the same procedures, and it’s not necessarily the smaller, independently run hospitals that are more expensive.… Continue Reading Local hospital charges not easy to analyze

Hospitals across the state are bracing for billions in financial losses, thanks to sequestration and a series of other federal budget cuts. While some cuts were expected and planned for, sequestration was not – and hospitals are struggling to figure out how to deal with the loss of revenue. For example, sequestration cuts Medicare provider… Continue Reading Hospitals brace for sequestration-related cuts

Leo Kattari has to go to the doctor every three months for blood tests, and he takes biweekly testosterone shots. Although he has health insurance through his job, the policy covered none of the checkups, lab tests or medicines. “I spend about $200, $300 every time I go to the doctor,” he said. “My doctor… Continue Reading DOI issues new rule banning discrimination

The new medical director at El Paso County Public Health has been in Colorado Springs for only eight months, but he’s been busy. Dr. Bill Letson views his job as the chance to prevent sickness and death from various diseases. Early disease prevention, he says, is the most cost-effective way to approach health and well-being… Continue Reading County medical director assesses situation

Pam McManus often wakes up in the middle of the night, trying to figure out new ways to get more people seen at Peak Vista Community Health Centers. The safety-net clinic has a waiting list of about 6,000 people — and that’s after McManus has whittled away at the 8,000 she inherited 18 months ago… Continue Reading Facing record growth, Peak Vista still handles demand

In an uncertain health care environment, industry experts are sure about one forecast: An aging population will impact services, providers and payers like never before. But exactly how much it will stress the industry — and in what ways — is still unknown, those same experts say. Health care groups already are struggling to create… Continue Reading Aging population stresses many health care services